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Monday, March 21, 2016

Yep - that's right. Three foster children came to live with us and to say it's been crazy is an understatement. I have been stretched to limits that I honestly expected, but man oh man, ones that are wearing me out! It's been a little bit of every emotion. We love having them, but it's also been very exhausting. Imagine bringing home a new baby and dealing with all of the changes and adapting you would have to do - now times that by three, but really like 1,000 because they're ages 10, 11 and 16 and have a history being parented in a way that you would not have parented. Ha!

It's been everything we expected - even the hard stuff. We truly feel God's confirmation about it and that brings such a peace. He has us where He wants us with the kids He wants with us now.

I SO wish that I could post all of my fun photos of the activities we've done, but legally, I can't. I'll post what I can!

The weekend they came, we got to know them and had to make a few runs to the store. They came with NOTHING so we had to get them clothes to last at least a couple days. After that, friends and a local organization helped us out with getting some more outfits. That was crazy! They all wear adult sizes so building a wardrobe for 3 adult-sized kids was expensive!

We got the kids enrolled in school which took 5 hours. We have one in elementary, one in middle school and one in high school.

We went to the rodeo that weekend only to find out that the rodeo part was over, but we got to enjoy the fair. The kids had a blast!

We've made Oreo balls together...

Played many many board games...

Kevin and I finally got a night alone when my friend offered to come over and babysit. We went to see the movie, Risen and enjoyed dinner - peacefully. Then we got pie at the grocery store....haha.

The first week, I was pretty good about getting my Bible study done, but then fell off the wagon. I'm just always SO TIRED. Even if I get 8 hours of sleep, it's not quality sleep. My emotions keep me up!

But these mornings are nice...Bible study/adult coloring, blackberries, tea and essential oils.

I've decided to take a leave from work. I need some time to transition. If a mom to a new baby needs it, I DEFINITELY need it. This past week was my first week, but it was Spring Break so I was busy with the kids each day. We had many appointments and did some fun stuff too!

We swam in the river, went to my parents' house, watched movies and played games. We also went hiking...

The 16 year old and I got pedicures...

We made green pancakes on St. Patty's Day...

We went to a preseason Rangers game...

It truly has been awesome! God is so good and so faithful. It definitely hasn't been all butterflies and roses. I've cried A LOT, had to take this break from work and now I'm sick. My immune system has taken a beating. I so wish I could talk about more of the details, but you get the drift. Nothing can prepare you for the emotions that come with foster care, not even having bio kids, but it's worth it. I always appreciate your prayers and encouragement!

Hopefully I'll be back to blogging a little bit more now that I'll have some time to breathe.

About Me

Hi! I'm Kelli. I'm a Texan, married to the love of my life, a follower of Jesus Christ, foster mom, full-time CPA, love our two doggies Riley and Luci, am obsessed with the color green, love traveling, and will try just about any type of food you give me! I'd love to read your comments, so please leave one!!